Want to Control the Universe With Your Mind? Join the Army

It's not too early to think about what to get the Army for the holidays. Actually, it is but that hasn't stopped it from asking for a "thought helmet." Yes, a thought helmet. It's exactly what it sounds like: a helmet that reads silent brain waves with sophisticated software that then translates waves into audible messages for others to hear. If Prince Harry was wearing one of the helmets here, he wouldn't even need the radio, we'd know exactly what he was thinking. . .

The US Army has just awarded a 5-year, $4 million contract to three American universities to develop helmets that would transform how soldiers communicate. How is this even possible? To find out, read more.

To use the thought helmet, each person will have to be trained so computers can recognize individual mental patterns and read unspoken commands. They'll need to learn how to think loudly and clearly so their brain will send strong signals that can be distinguished from background noise. The Army neurologist overseeing the project doesn't think this will be hard because of the "clean, clear, and formulaic" way that soldiers are already trained to talk. Ultimately, they should be invaluable in combat and casualty care.

While it may be a decade or two away from reality, video gamers are already ahead of the, um, game. Next summer a $299 headset, which offers rudimentary version of brain wave technology, will hit the shelves. Scientists believe the army's more sophisticated technology will be useful to all of us in the future when we're able to talk on cell phones with only our most indoor voices — our thoughts.

I know what you're thinking; I am, too. Creepy? Mind reading, mind control, etc. But scientists preempted these accusations with this logic: every brain is unique and each person must train the system so it is impossible to do it unwillingly or without ongoing cooperation. Do you buy it? Is this technology a good idea, or just a scary thought?

Jude the control center would be writing something like this on me:
Soldier is thinking about:
whether or not she can pick her wedgie without anyone knowing.
If she can get away with not shaving her legs one more day, is it shorts weather tommorow?
alan rickman, gary oldman sandwich but dressed as Snape and Sirius Black

Jude the control center would be writing something like this on me:Soldier is thinking about:whether or not she can pick her wedgie without anyone knowing.If she can get away with not shaving her legs one more day, is it shorts weather tommorow?alan rickman, gary oldman sandwich but dressed as Snape and Sirius Black

I agree with ilanac13. How many thoughts can one have in a minute. Three angry thoughts toward superior, one sexual thought, one thought about firing a weapon, one dumb thought ~ I think it could drive you crazy trying to hone in on the one thought you need.

:ROTFL:
On a serious/creepy/sci-fi note, you know that if this technology takes off, I can absolutely imagine someone researching how to eavesdrop on people's private thoughts. It would sure make future elections an interesting prospect.

:ROTFL:On a serious/creepy/sci-fi note, you know that if this technology takes off, I can absolutely imagine someone researching how to eavesdrop on people's private thoughts. It would sure make future elections an interesting prospect.